Howard County health briefs

Howard County General Hospital will offer the following wellness classes in April. Classes will be held at the HCGH Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Drive, Suite 100, Columbia unless otherwise listed. Register in advance online at http://www,hcgh.org. or call 410-740-7601.

•Starting a family. Learn the steps to the importance of parent wellness; health care matters and emotional, physical, environmental and social considerations from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. April 11.

•Essential in baby sitting. Learn the skills to become a responsible baby sitter including how to manage children, create a safe environment and apply basic emergency techniques from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 13. Cost $50. The program is offered to children ages 11 to 13.

•Smoke free lungs. Education and support from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. April 18.

•CPR course for the adult and child victim. Sponsored by the American Heart Association, the course will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, April 20. This is a not a certification course.

•Financial issues for new and prospective parents. A certified financial planner will discuss starting a family, including income and expenses from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. April 22.

•Happy baby. Learn successful techniques to soothe your crying baby and promote restful sleep for your infant, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. April 23. This course is for parents of babies up to 3 months old. $50 per couple.

•Choosing a pediatrician. Learn factors to consider and questions to ask when choosing your pediatrician as well as ways you can promote the health of your newborn, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. April 24.

Caregivers and seniors

Family and Children's Services of Central Maryland has received an 18-month, $500,000 challenge grant from the Maryland Home and Community Care Foundation, and additional funding from the Howard County Department of Citizen Services. SERVE (Services, Education and Resources for Vulnerable Elders) will work to improve the safety of seniors, enhance the quality of life for caregivers, help families find services, prevent premature institutionalization and reduce incidents of elder abuse and neglect. For information or to donate, go to the website, fcsmd.org.

Blood donations

The Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross is requesting blood donations. Eligible donors can call 800-GIVE-LIFE to schedule an appointment. Platelet donors should call 800-272-2123.

Look good, feel better

This free program teaches beauty techniques to women with cancer to help them combat appearance-related side effects of treatment. Participants receive a bag of cosmetics donated by major manufacturers as well as instruction and suggestions for wigs and head coverings. The class is taught by a licensed cosmetologist. Classes are held the third Monday of the month at the Howard County General Hospital Wellness Center in the Medical Pavilion, 10710 Charter Drive in Columbia. For information or registration, call the American Cancer Society at 888-535-4555.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has opened a 13,300-square-foot facility to serve veterans in Anne Arundel and Howard counties. The clinic is at 2479 Fifth St. adjacent to the Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center at Fort Meade. Services include general outpatient medical care, preventive health and education services, various medical screenings, TeleHealth services and referrals to specialized programs and inpatient services available throughout the VA Medical Health Care System. Information: 410-305-5300.